COMEDY SUPERSTAR SEBASTIAN MANISCALCO LAUNCHES THE SECOND LEG OF HIS RECORD BREAKING

“STAY HUNGRY” INTERNATIONAL TOUR

COMING TO THE STRAZ CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28th

Comedian, Actor and Best-Selling Author’s Show to Air on

Netflix Later This Year

On the heels of a wildly successful start to 2018, comedian, actor, author Sebastian Maniscalco kicks off the fall leg of his blockbuster “Stay Hungry” international tour. The tour will make its way across the US and Canada with stops in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Vancouver and Calgary. Maniscalco recently wrapped the spring leg of his tour with five sold-out shows at New York’s iconic Radio City Music Hall. People Magazine’s “The comedian’s comedian” broke the historic venue’s record with his appearances ranking him the highest grossing comedy weekend in their 85+ year history. Fans around the world hungry to see the performance will get their chance as the set was filmed for an upcoming Netflix special to air later this year. Details will be announced soon.

2018 will also see Maniscalco expand his major motion picture portfolio to include roles in “TAG,” starring alongside Jon Hamm, Ed Helms and Jeremy Renner as well as “Green Book” with Oscar-winner Mahershala Ali, Linda Cardellini and Viggo Mortensen. Already hungry for 2019, Maniscalco will join a star-studded cast that includes Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci and more in Martin Scorcese’s upcoming film “The Irishman.” - Click Here to Read More >>>

Florida Grand Opera 2018 and 2019 Season Studio Artists

>>> Courtesy of Kal Gajraj

After a national search, Florida Grand Opera (FGO) has chosen three new singers for the 2018-19 FGO Studio. One of the most respected and highly competitive studio programs in the nation, the FGO Studio, led by Artistic Directors Diana Soviero and Bernard Uzan, provides comprehensive career development to emerging artists who have demonstrated potential to make major contributions to the field of opera:

First-year FGO Studio Artists:

Isaac Frishman, Tenor

Sean Galligan, Baritone

Zaray Rodriguez, Mezzo-soprano

Returning FGO Studio Artists:

Dominick Corbacio, Tenor

Benjamin Dickerson, Baritone

Simon Dyer, Bass

Jessica E. Jones, Soprano

Mariya Kaganskaya, Mezzo-soprano

Evan Kardon, Soprano

Rafael Porto, Bass-baritone

The FGO Studio received applications from over 500 singers; of those, close to 200 were heard in live auditions in Miami and New York. For singers, the audition process begins with a prescreening process that includes a resume plus audio and/or video recordings.

During a residency of up to two years, FGO Studio Artists receive specialized training in voice, acting, movement, language, repertoire development, and style across the traditions of composers. Studio Artists are afforded numerous performance opportunities in major and supporting roles in mainstage productions allowing them to work with world-renowned singers, directors, and conductors. They also participate in a series of concerts, recitals, and educational outreach events, performing in numerous venues across Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

“We have a lot in store for the Studio next season!” said Mitch Roe, Studio Manager. “Not only will the artists will be spending a lot of time on the mainstage, but with seven returning artists, one new artist originally from Miami, and two newcomers to South Florida, we will really be able to collaborate and innovate to connect our audiences to opera.”

Founded in 1984, the FGO Studio was established to help emerging artists transition from their academic training to careers in opera. Members commit to an intense, individualized study program while living in Miami from September through May.

2018-19 FGO Studio Artist biographies:

Dominick Corbacio, Tenor, performed Normanno in Lucia di Lamermoor and4th Jew in Salome during the 2017-18 Season at Florida Grand Opera. In 2018, Mr. Carbacio received third place in the Gulf Coast region of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. During the summer of 2018, he made his debut as Monostatos in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte with The Lakes Area Music Festival in Brainerd, MN. In 2015, Mr. Carbacio was lauded by the New York Times as having given, “one excellent performance after another of the sublime ‘Du bist die Ruh,’” after being featured in Mingwei’s Sonic Blossom at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Other recent credits include: Fenton in Verdi’s Falstaff, The King of Venice in Glass’ The Witches of Venice, Prince Sou Chong in Lehár’s Das Land des Lächelns, Ernesto in Donizetti’s Don Pasquale, Steven Todd/Arnold Murray in Chen’s The Life and Death(s) of Alan Turing, and The Sailor in Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas with Opera Saratoga, Venture Opera, Manhattan School of Music, and American Lyric Theatre. Mr. Corbacio returns to Florida Grand Opera for a third season as Alejandro/Trotsky in Frida, Schmidt in Werther, and to cover Rodolfo in La bohème. For more information about Mr. Carbacio, visit www.dominickcorbacio.com.

Benjamin Dickerson, Baritone, performed 1st Jew in Salome during the 2017-18 Season at Florida Grand Opera. A winner of the 2015 Marilyn Horne Song Competition, Mr. Dickerson has recently been seen in recital on the stages of Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, Merkin Concert Hall, Caramoor Center, Greene Space/WQXR, and Hahn Hall in Santa Barbara. In the summer of 2018, he performs Count Almaviva under the baton of James Conlon in a new production of Le nozze di Figaro directed by James Darrah at Music Academy of the West. In the 2017 season, he returned to Opera Theatre of Saint Louis as a Gerdine Young Artist, performing roles in Salome, The Grapes of Wrath, and Ariadne auf Naxos. A native of Vermont, Mr. Dickerson enjoys frequent collaboration with the Burlington Chamber Orchestra and the Burlington Choral Society, recently appearing as soloist in Haydn’s The Seasons, Handel’s Messiah, and François-Joseph Gossec’s Messa di Requiem. Other recent roles include the title role in Don Giovanni, Dandini (La Cenerentola), Enrico (Lucia di Lammermoor), Valmont (Dangerous Liaisons), Figaro (Le nozze di Figaro), Gaudenzio (Il signor Bruschino), and Ottone (L’incoronazione di Poppea). Mr. Dickerson returns to Florida Grand Opera this season as Schaunard in La bohème, Mr. Rockefeller/Mr. Kahlo in Frida, and Albert in Werther. He will study-cover Marcello in La bohème and Count Almaviva inLe nozze di Figaro. For more information about him, please visit www.benjamindickersonbaritone.com.

Simon Dyer, Bass, performed Raimondo (Lucia di Lammermoor) and 2nd Soldier (Salome) in the 2017-18 Season at Florida Grand Opera. Previously, he was a 2016-17 Emerging Artist at Boston Lyric Opera (BLO) while completing his studies at Boston Conservatory. He was seen at BLO as Keeper of the Madhouse (The Rake’s Progress) and Antonio (Le nozze di Figaro). Mr. Dyer has also participated in summer training programs at the Glimmerglass Festival and Santa Fe Opera. Recent appearances include Giorgio (La gazza ladra) at Glimmerglass; Luka (The Bear) and Mr. Grinder (The Zoo) at Odyssey Opera; Superintendent Budd (Albert Herring) with the Boston Opera Collaborative; and Prophet/King (Dark Sisters), Melisso (Alcina), Figaro (Le nozze di Figaro), Immigration Officer (Flight), and Nick Shadow (The Rake’s Progress) while at Boston Conservatory. In concert, he recently appeared in Grammy-nominated composer Orlando Jacinto García’s Una marea creciente at Faena Forum in Miami Beach. In recital, he has been seen at the Museum of Fine Art (MFA) in Boston and as curator of John Cage’s Song Books, also at the MFA. Mr. Dyer received his undergraduate training at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in his native London, England. He returns to Florida Grand Opera this season as Colline in La bohème, Antonio in Le nozze di Figaro, and Calavera #3 in Frida. For more information about him, please visit www.simondyeropera.com.

Isaac Frishman, Tenor, is already making a name for himself with quick-witted stage antics and a voice described as “truly sweet and graceful” (Broadway World). His performance as Don Ramiro in La Cenerentola was praised as “a true Rossini tenor with fine coloratura and great high notes” (St. Louis Post). In the 2018 summer season, he made his Spoleto Festival debut as Ghino in Donizetti’s Pia de’ Tolomei. He has appeared with Kentucky Opera, Winter Opera St. Louis, Merola Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera, and Chautauqua Opera. His role credits include: Count Almaviva (Il barbiere di Siviglia), Nemorino (L'elisir d'amore), Ferrando (Così fan tutte), Tamino (Die Zauberflöte), and Henrik (A Little Night Music). He holds a master’s degree in vocal performance from Michigan State University and is a student of Metropolitan Opera tenor Richard Fracker. Mr. Frishman makes his Florida Grand Opera debut this season as Basilio/Curzio in Le nozze di Figaro, Mr. Ford in Frida, and will study-cover the role of Schmidt in Werther. For more information about him, visit www.isaacfrishman.com.

Sean Galligan, Baritone, is a native of West Des Moines, Iowa. In the summer of 2017, he returned to Des Moines Metro Opera as an Apprentice Artist covering the role of Mr. Redburn in Benjamin Britten's Billy Budd. In the summer of 2018, Mr. Galligan joins Opera Saratoga as an Apprentice Artist, performing the role of Basset in the American premiere of Gareth Williams’Rocking Horse Winner and covering the role of John Sorel in Menotti’s The Consul. Other operatic roles include: Germont cover (La traviata) with Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre, the title role inEugene Onegin, Joseph De Rocher (Dead Man Walking), and Herr Fluth (Die lustigen Weiber von Windsor) with Boston Conservatory Opera; Count Almaviva (Le nozze di Figaro), the title role inThe Mikado and Sam (Our Town) with Drake Opera Theater, and Don Alfonso (Così fan tutte) with the Tuscia Operafestival. Mr. Galligan received his master of music degree at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, and his bachelor of music degree from Drake University. He makes his Florida Grand Opera debut this season as the Barker in Frida and Brühlmann in Werther. He will study-cover Schaunard and Marcello in La bohème and Albert in Werther.

Jessica E. Jones, Soprano, is quickly establishing herself as a leading American soprano. Her repertoire includes Lucia (Lucia di Lammermoor), Elvira (L'italiana in Algeri), Desdemona (Rossini’s Otello), Adina (L’elisir d’amore), Corinna (Il viaggio a Reims), Chrisann Brennan in The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs, Euridice (Orfeo ed Euridice), Pamina (Die Zauberflöte), Rosalinde (Die Fledermaus), Musetta (La bohème), the Governess (The Turn of the Screw), Beatrice (Catán’s Il Postino), Lauretta (Gianni Schicchi), Lightfoot McClendon (Floyd’s Cold Sassy Tree), Lulu (Aldridge’s Elmer Gantry), and Rosasharn (Gordon’s The Grapes of Wrath). She has performed with Opera San Antonio, Santa Fe Opera, American Lyric Theater, Sarasota Opera, Utah Opera, Utah Symphony, Opera Idaho, Sun Valley Opera, Opera Saratoga, Opera in the Heights, Sugar Creek Symphony & Song, and Crested Butte Music Festival. She was an audience favorite and regional finalist of the Metropolitan National Council Auditions and holds a master’s degree in performance from the Moores School of Music. Ms. Jones returns to Florida Grand Opera this season as Musetta in La bohème and Cristina in Frida. She will study-cover the Countess in Le nozze di Figaro. For more information about her, please visit www.jessicaejones.com.

Mariya Kaganskaya, Mezzo-soprano, performed the roles of Paula (Florencia en el Amazonas) and Page (Salome) in the 2017-18 Season at Florida Grand Opera. She was recently an Apprentice Singer at the Santa Fe Opera, where she premiered the role of Teacher in The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs, covered the roles of Amelfa in The Golden Cockerel and Wowkle in La fanciulla del West, and was featured in Justice at the Opera, hosted by Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. As a Studio Artist at Arizona Opera, Ms. Kaganskaya appeared as Tisbe (La Cenerentola), Suzuki (Madama Butterfly), and Third Wood Sprite (Rusalka). Her other recent roles include Dorabella (Così fan tutte), Ottavia (L’incoronazione di Poppea), Serse (Serse), Olga (Eugene Onegin), Hostess (Boris Godunov), Marta (Iolanta), la Nourrice (Milhaud’s Médée), Mexican Woman (A Streetcar Named Desire), Dinah (Trouble in Tahiti), and Julia Bertram (Mansfield Park). Mariya earned her master of music degree and postgraduate diploma from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, under the tutelage of Catherine Cook. Ms. Kaganskaya returns to Florida Grand Opera this season as Cherubino in Le nozze di Figaro, Mrs. Ford/Natalia in Frida, Kätchen in Werther, and will study-cover Charlotte in Werther. For more information about her, please visit www.mariyakaganskaya.com.

Evan Kardon, Soprano, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, performed the roles of Slave (Salome) and Amor (Orfeo ed Euridice) in the 2017-18 Season at Florida Grand Opera. In the summer of 2018, Ms. Kardon will be volunteering at the animal shelter in Doral, Florida, and will be traveling to San Francisco to study at the Goethe Institute and to sing Act II of Die Fledermaus as Adele with the Festival Opera of Walnut Creek. In June of 2017, Ms. Kardon was honored to receive First Prize and Top Audience Choice in the 2017 Lois Alba Aria Competition in Houston, Texas. Last summer, Ms. Kardon returned to the Middlebury Language Institute to continue pursuing fluency in the German language, as well as to sing Susanna in a condensed version of Die Hochzeit des Figaro. Ms. Kardon has participated in numerous young artist programs, including Opera Saratoga, Des Moines Metro Opera, Wolf Trap Opera, and IVAI in Montréal, Canada. In January of 2016 she was a district finalist in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. Ms. Kardon returns to Florida Grand Opera this season as Barbarina in Le nozze di Figaro, Mrs. Ford in Frida, and Sophie in Werther. She will study-cover Susanna in Le nozze di Figaro. For more information about her, please visit www.evanlaceykardon.com.

Rafael Porto, Bass-baritone, performed Capitán in Florencia en el Amazonas with internationally acclaimed soprano Ana María Martínez and 1st Nazarene in Salome in the 2017-18 Season at Florida Grand Opera. In 2018, Porto made his debuts at Lincoln Center singing Grenvil (La traviata) and at Nashville Opera singing the Sacristan and Jailer (Tosca). He also returned to Indianapolis Opera in the role of Carrasco (Man of La Mancha). This season, Porto makes his debut at the Northern Lights Music Festival as Bartolo (Il barbiere di Siviglia) and returns to Nashville Opera to sing Crespel and Luther (Les contes d’Hoffmann). He has been a regional encouragement award winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, grand prize winner of the Orpheus National Music Competition for Vocalists, and a semi-finalist at the Eleanor McCollum Competition with Houston Grand Opera. Porto earned a master of music degree from Indiana University, a bachelor of music degree from Butler University, and trained as a young artist at the Glimmerglass Festival. Mr. Porto returns to Florida Grand Opera this season as Bartolo inLe nozze di Figaro and Johann in Werther. He will study-cover Colline in La bohème and Figaro in Le nozze di Figaro. For more information about him, please visit www.rafaelwporto.com.

Zaray Rodriguez, Mezzo-soprano, is quickly making her mark as an emerging artist in operatic and concert work. Ms. Rodriguez has been a recipient of multiple grants and competitions including Career Bridges, the Heida Hermanns International Vocal Competition, Society of Arts and Letters National Competition, and most recently, a regional finalist of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. Recently performed roles at the Boston University Opera Institute include Geneviève (Pelléas et Mélisande). Aunt Hannah Watkins (Emmeline), and Cherubino (Le nozze di Figaro). Other favorite roles include Carmen (Carmen), Mezzo (Philip Glass’s Hydrogen Jukebox), L’enfant (L’enfant et les sortilèges), and Federico García Lorca (Ainadamar). In the summer of 2018, she performs the role of Dinah in Bernstein’s iconic opera, Trouble in Tahiti, at Aspen Music Festival. Zaray holds a bachelor of arts degree in music from Palm Beach Atlantic University, a master of music degree in vocal performance from the University of Miami, and a certificate in opera performance from the Boston University Opera Institute. Ms. Rodriguez makes her Florida Grand Opera debut this season as Marcellina in Le nozze di Figaro and Dimas’ Mother/Lupe Marin in Frida. She will study-cover Frida in Frida. For more information about her, please visit www.zarayrodriguez.com.

About FGO Studio:

Under the direction of Diana Soviero and Bernard Uzan, the Florida Grand Opera Studio is the face of opera in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Studio Artists spend the full season performing principal and comprimario roles alongside FGO’s roster of acclaimed directors, conductors, and musicians. These emerging artists bring opera to the community through a series of concerts and recitals at museums, bars, cultural and religious centers, galas, and more. Additionally, the Studio tours a compact opera, performed in English, throughout local schools, giving many elementary and secondary students their first exposure to opera. With a focus on holistic skill development, Studio Artists study vocal interpretation, acting, language, movement, and personal business practices in individual coaching sessions and classes by accomplished industry colleagues. Further career-building opportunities including agent/house auditions, media interviews, portfolio development, donor relations, social media content creation, bilingual immersion, and collaborations with fellow arts and young professional organizations throughout the vibrant South Florida community are regular occurrences each season.

About Florida Grand Opera:

Florida Grand Opera (FGO), the oldest performing arts organization in Florida, celebrates its 78th Anniversary Season in 2018 - 19. The mainstage operas of the season include Giacomo Puccini’s La bohéme (Nov. 3 - 17), Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro (Jan. 26 - Feb. 9), Robert Xavier Rodriguez’s Frida (Mar. 16 - 31), and Jules Massenet’s Werther (Apr. 27 - May 11). FGO’s Box Office is located at the Doral Center on 8390 NW 25th Street, Miami, FL 33122, and is open from 10 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday during the season. Season tickets may be purchased online at www.FGO.org or by phone at (800) 741- 1010. Single tickets for the 2018-19 season will go on sale to the general public in September 2018.

Founded in 1941 as Greater Miami Opera and later merging with The Opera Guild Inc. in 1994, FGO presents a mixture of standard repertoire and contemporary works as well as commissions and new productions — all featuring projected translations in English and Spanish. FGO is recognized for funding by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Funding is also provided, in part, by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, Cultural Affairs Council, the Mayor and the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners and the Miami-Dade County Tourist Development Council. Program support is provided by the City of Miami Beach, Cultural Affairs Program, and the Cultural Arts Council. Florida Grand Opera is a Resident Company of the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County and a member company of OPERA America. Steinway & Sons is the Official Piano of Florida Grand Opera

Lake Worth, FL, June 18, 2018. – Luxury Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce a networking event taking place at a new concept art bar, Sugar Plum & Grumbling Growler located on bustling Lucerne Avenue in the heart of downtown Lake Worth, FL The event will present an opportunity to network with purveyors and consumers of luxury goods and services as well as design industry professionals including: interior designers, fashion illustrators, artists, architects, jewelers and digital designers.

Sugar Plum & Grumbling Growler melds four businesses into one: wine bar, craft beer pub, an art gallery and a unique event venue. The Grumbling Growler side serves as a craft beer bar featuring over 30 craft beers both bottled and drafted (with plans of growing to over 100 in 2019) along with an attached outdoor beer garden in the rear for live music and a boutique wine bar featuring estate wines and organic wines from around the globe. The Sugar Plum Art Gallery side of the business is an art gallery where you can explore international and local artisans while sipping on your favorite wine or craft beer.

Event attendees will enjoy mingling with local notables including Plumb Talk Production’s Dr. Shelley Plumb who is co-chairing the event, live acoustic guitar, a complimentary glass of wine and Lamborghini brand champagne as well as paired hors d'oeuvres. Patrons will know they have done the right thing by attending as a percentage of proceeds goes directly to Forgotten Soldiers Outreach which is a 501(c)3 organization sending care packages and letters of encouragement to deployed troops.

Although Mondo Italiano is a Florida based magazine our founding roots are in Minnesota so occasionally we will interview local Italians and Italian Americans residing there. If you've ever wondered about the benefits of obtaining Italian citizenship and how to go about the process you may find the article interesting. Read More ->>

BIJOUX! Norton's Annual International Art Jewelry Exhibition is Set for March

The Norton Museum of Art presents the seventh edition of BIJOUX!, an international art jewelry exhibition and fundraiser that offers the chance to purchase unique art jewelry from its creators. Once again, about 40 artists from around the world, including Israel, Italy, and The Netherlands, will be represented. Artists from Norway and South Korea are represented

for the first time. BIJOUX! runs Thursday, March 1 through Sunday, March 4, 2018. Read More -->>

Il Circolo of the Palm Beaches - February 2018 Update

Il Circolo, the Italian Cultural Society, had a banner week-end from February 2 through the 5 th . Events included participation in a program called Italy in Transit sponsored by Florida Atlantic University; the 3rd annual Italian Fest, a street fair held at Sanborn Park in Boca Raton; an opera concert by the Palm Beach Opera Apprentice Program held at Palm Beach Atlantic University and an Aperitivo, (social gathering) at Eau Palm Beach. Read More --->>

La Centrale Miami - Florida's Italian Food Hall Set to Open Feb 16th

Miami’s highly anticipated food hall concept, La Centrale – Italian Food Hall, (pronounced Chen-TRAH-leh), will open to the public Feb. 16 at Brickell City Centre, the city’s newest retail, dining and entertainment epicenter in the heart of Brickell located at 701 S. Miami Avenue. The opening of the Miami location will mark the brand’s first food hall in a national expansion to cities such as Atlanta and Boston. READ MORE ---->>>

Saint Wolfentino the True History of Valentines Day

In Roman times priests and certain soldiers were known as wolfmen because they protected their herds from wolves. The wolfmen known as Luperci created a festival to honor Juno who was the queen of the Roman Goddesses and herself known as the Goddess of Marriage and Fertility. The festival became known as Lupercalia. Lupercalia was created to purge the city of evil dieties by sharing burnt offerings and sacrified goats and dogs. Click Here to Read More --->>>

Cirque Italia has grown to the point where the next logical step can only be to expand operations and double our presence at the national level. In response to our wonderful fans all over the U.S., and with over 90% of shows being sold out, NOW is the perfect time for a substantial investment.

Beginning in 2017, Cirque Italia, the first traveling Water Circus, introduced a second unit, the Gold Unit: a luxurious experience where technology and preforming arts are mixed to create a one-of-a-kind show. Now for 2018, a brand-new performance has been created.

This new performance will feature an ultra-modern water curtain that controls every droplet of water meticulously. Audience members can expect to see words and beautiful patterns as the water falls to the ‘lagoon’ below. Cirque Italia is ready to provide a breathtaking experience. This new stage by itself is enough to amaze the most demanding audience, and synchronized with the most creative display of superhuman talent - the result is simply out of this world!

The latest trends of the industry are challenged with every Cirque Italia appearance and this 2nd unit is not going to be any different. A careful casting selection has united the best artists from all over the world. This production will feature acts all the way from Russia to Mexico. Cirque Italia believes in multi-culturalism as one of our strongest assets.

Packed full of incredible acts, there is no room for boredom. The variety presented is exceptional. For those who enjoy whimsy, we have an Avatar and not one, but two mermaids. There is almost no bodily limit for our contortionist, Ricardo, as he bends in ways you never would have imagined. Our incredible wheel of death performance features a front summersault flip, something you will be hard-pressed to see anywhere else. If that doesn’t get your head spinning, perhaps our 5 roller skaters and their incredible tricks and turns will. And although Cirque Italia does not use animals in our performances, this year we will be featuring amazing lifelike elephant puppets. They are so well made, you might just think they are real. Whether it’s a futuristic laser act or mesmerizing aerial performances, the show has something for all tastes and expectations. One thing Cirque Italia sets out to accomplish is to create a type of world-class entertainment suitable for all age groups.

This new second unit also follows the same strict animal-free policy that makes the Water Circus stand out from other circus entertainment shows.The “magic touch” of the Italian entrepreneur Manuel Rebecchi, President and Owner of Cirque Italia, added to the flawless direction of the COO, Chanté DeMoustes, and has turned this once romantic project into a successful production known and acclaimed all over the country.

Don’t miss the opportunity to be amazed and transported to a fantastic realm where your deepest dreams can -and will- come true.

For more information visit www.cirqueitalia.com and make sure to check all our social media accounts. Tickets can be purchased now starting at $10.00-$50.00 depending on availability. Cirque Italia offers one free child admission with every full priced paying adult ticket in levels 2 or 3. This offer cannot be combined with any other offers, discounts or deals. Please call 941-704-8572 to find out the promo code for this location.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (February 13, 2018) – 2018 started with a bang for the Historic Stranahan House Museum as its fourth annual Holiday Hangover drew more than 300 guests and generated more than $20,000 for Broward County’s oldest and most historic home.

Proceeds from Holiday Hangover and all Historic Stranahan House Museum events are used to support its preservation and continue its educational outreach efforts, which provide reduced-rate and free school programs to local students.

“In just four short years, Holiday Hangover has become one of our most popular and lucrative events, bringing a younger crowd to the House through music, entertainment and epicurean food and drinks from Fort Lauderdale’s favorite spots,” said Historic Stranahan House Museum Executive Director April Kirk. “It’s exciting to see how different generations of our community come together to celebrate Holiday Hangover. At the end of the day, it inspires a universal interest in preserving and upholding our city’s legacy.”

Liquor was provided by Ocean Wine & Spirits and Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Beer was donated by LauderAle and live music was performed by Chris Monteleone of Sosos. Guests also enjoyed a photo booth sponsored by Memorial Healthcare System.

“We are incredibly thankful for all of our wonderful sponsors, volunteers and supporters, whose contributions have undoubtedly propelled this year’s Holiday Hangover to new heights,” said Kirk. “The impact of Holiday Hangover goes far beyond just benefitting the House. Local businesses, artists and entrepreneurs market their goods and services by participating in the silent auction, restaurateurs gain exposure and interest from prospective customers by offering food and drink samples, young professionals make valuable connections, and residents and visitors enjoy some of the greatest assets our community has to offer.”

About Historic Stranahan House and Museum

The Stranahan House was built in 1901, when Broward County was no more than a bleak southern frontier supposedly unsuited for human habitation. The existing residents were the Seminoles who traveled down the New River to Frank Stranahan’s trading post to do business. Over the years as Fort Lauderdale grew and developed, the house became a post office, boarding house, restaurant and home to the “Founding Father” and “First Lady” of Fort Lauderdale – Frank and Ivy Stranahan. Today it stands as the oldest house in Broward County and an epicenter of Fort Lauderdale’s long and fascinating history.

Carlos DeAntonis Performed at Arturo's Ristorante in Boca Raton, FL last Friday

Argentine Italian Opera Singer Carlos DeAntonis performed for UNICO on Friday September 1st 2017. UNICO was founded in 1922 and is the largest Italian American service organization in the U.S. Frank LoRe is the Florida Governor for the organization. Carlos is an up and coming opera singer who was recently on "Americas Got Talent" and he resides in Miami.Arturo's Ristorante was founded in 1983 and is home to Florida's only underground wine cellar and a winner of Golden Spoon, Zagat and many other prestigious awards. To get involved in UNICO simply visit unico.org and the venue is located at: arturosrestaurant.com

Gioia Restaurant Hosts Italian Socialite Night Every Wednesday

Join Luxury Chamber & friends for wine, conversation and philanthropy. As of August 30th 2017 Gioia is now hosting a weekly event benefiting NOIAW - National Organization of Italian American Women which is an organization that donates scholarships to those in need. Ladies who register at: www.italianladies.eventbrite.com will receive complimentary admission to the event plus a glass of vino on the house as well as flatbread. Those who stay for dinner will be pleased to know that a portion of proceeds will be donated directly to the charity. Guests will have an opportunity to mingle and converse with Italians from Italy and Sicily, Italian-Americans as well as people of Italian heritage from Argentina, Uruguay, Venezuela and Canada. Non-Italians who love Italian culture are also strongly encouraged to attend the event as well as spouses of Italians. The event takes place from 6-9pm and there is no valet parking. Be prepared for metered parking via coin, cash or credit card. Dress code is cocktail chic. Men can also attend yet will not receive the complimentary vino!

La Vie is a large luxury restaurant with a 5-star rating by every source, vaulted ceilings, full liquor bar and ample free parking. The design is Moroccan and Mediterranean, the food is Lebanese & Mediterranean.

Attendees will mingle with celebrity guests, enjoy a complimentary cocktail as well as hors d'oeuvres, wine and olive oil tasting and have the ability to join in on a multicultural high-end business networking affair. Guests will know that they have done a good deed by attending as a percentage of proceeds goes directly to: Food for the Poor which is managed by an Italian-American & with a Greek Outreach Coordinator.

Coffee and cappuccino are the pride of Italy in the world; but if the first is usually consumed at the end of the meal, the second, more substantial, is sipped at breakfast, usually accompanied by some pastry. You can ask for a cappuccino at the end of a meal, just know that most Italians don’t.

2 - RISOTTO AND PASTA ARE NOT A SIDE DISH

The organization of courses in the Italian dining is unique and requires pasta and – most of the time – risotto to be served by themselves (apart from specific recipes such as Ossobuco milanese-style). The presentation of pasta as a side dish to others is widespread in several countries, but in Italy is seen almost as a sacrilege.

3 - YOU SHALL NOT ADD OIL TO PASTA WATER!

Oil should not be added to pasta cooking water! Pasta dressing (and oil too) must be added only after you have drained it from its cooking water.

4 - KETCHUP ON PASTA: PLEASE, DON’T

This is one of the combinations that most shocks Italians; although ketchup may have some similarities to tomato sauce, pouring ketchup over pasta in the “Bel Paese” is considered a real gourmet crime. Keep ketchup for your french fries or hot dogs, please!

5 - SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE? NO WAY, IT’S TAGLIATELLE!

While probably being the world’s most popular Italian recipe, you will not find any restaurant in Bologna to eat it. That’s because the original Italian recipe is “Tagliatelle Bolognese” (not spaghetti). Although this may seem a minor detail, in real Italian cuisine the pairing of the right kind of pasta with the right sauce is considered almost sacred.

6 - CHICKEN PASTA: NOT IN ITALY

Speaking with American friends, one of the most frequent requests is the advice for a typical Italian recipe for pasta with chicken. It’s always rather embarrassing to point out that in Italy there are no hot dishes featuring pasta and chicken.

7 - “CAESAR SALAD”

This salad, which bears the name of its supposed creator, Caesar Cardini, is a part of the long list of recipes devised by chefs of Italian origin, but in fact is almost unknown in Italy.

8 - THE RED AND WHITE CHECKERED TABLECLOTH IS ONLY A STEREOTYPE!

For some strange reason, these tablecloths are universally associated with our food and with the stereotype of the "spaghetti-eater", and abroad almost all the restaurants that want to play typical Italian use them. Probably, tourists who come to visit Italy remain somewhat disappointed when they discover that the checkered tablecloths are almost never used (only restaurants for tourists do!)

9 - “FETTUCCINE ALFREDO” ARE POPULAR ONLY OVERSEAS

This is perhaps the most curious in this top ten. The fettuccine Alfredo is both the most famous “Italian” food in the United States and the least known dish in Italy. These noodles, seasoned with butter and Parmigiano Reggiano, are in fact actually been invented in the “Bel Paese”, specifically by Alfredo Di Lelio, the owner of a restaurant in Rome, but in Italy have never been imposed as a traditional dish. Overseas, however, have become increasingly popular and in time became a symbol of the good life in Rome. For this reason legions of American tourists coming to Italy hoping to enjoy the fettuccine Alfredo at every restaurant on the peninsula remain very disappointed.

10 - YOU SHALL RESPECT TRADITION AND WHAT ITALIAN MAMMA SAYS.

She knows from her mamma, who knew from her mamma who knew from her mamma and so on. It's been tried and tested. And what a mother teaches at her daughter while they are cooking? That love is the center of all. We must share Italian food with your loved ones. It is what life, love and family are all about.

The three-story culinary endeavor will open in Miami this fall in a 38,000-square-foot space, introducing a “restaurant-forward concept,” per the press release, including Italian-inspired restaurants and cafes, an enoteca, a culinary school, and retail space, all inspired by 20 regions throughout Italy.

The first floor will feature a “multi-sensory convivial vibe driven by true Italian hospitality, where they can find fresh-brewed espresso, breads, house-made pastas and other culinary staples” in addition to an eatery for a communal dining experience.

The second floor will have original restaurants for lunch and dinner, an Apulian-inspired indoor garden, and a gelato shop.

Floor 3 will house interactive wine tastings, pairings, and food programs, in addition to the culinary school.

“La Centrale’s design delivers a multifaceted experience energized by the delight of a trip to Italy, all under one roof,” says Jacopo Giustiniani, managing partner of La Centrale – Italian Food Hall. “It’s chic, lively, effortless, and one hundred percent authentic. We are importing products straight from Italy and serving fresh, local produce. Our goal is to share the heart, spirit and soul of Italy with Miami locals, providing Brickell residents and visitors from around the world with the best of Italian cuisine and hospitality.”

Italian Food & Beverage Corp Enters Florida Market

2016 witnessed two very important accomplishments for IFBC: 1) a profitable restructuring of its food and beverage operations in Europe and Asia, namely, Singapore, in which several existing locations are now into consideration, and 2) the grand opening of IFBC's first food outlet in the US.

This latter achievement is especially noteworthy in that IFBC, which now operates on 3 continents, has finally established a base of operations in the US market. This first, fully-functional food outlet, operating under the brand of Mio Café, located in The West Shore Mall of Tampa, a prime, highly- trafficked retail location, this flagship food outlet affords IFBC the necessary exposure for the possible entre into other affluent venues throughout Florida, such as The Channel side Bay Plaza in Tampa, Florida, Siesta Key in Sarasota, Long Boat Key (outside of Sarasota) and Anna Maria Island on the west coast of Florida.

Consistent with its mission of delivering the taste and traditions of authentic Italian food and beverages, as well as the genuine atmosphere of the "Italian café experience," IFBC will continue to offer fresh, healthful food, such as fresh-baked focaccia, low-fat, low-carb sandwiches and tramezzini, freshly-brewed coffee, delicious pastries, wholesome pizzas, light, low carb pastas and low calorie pasta chips.

Pietro Moschini, Director-in-Charge of IFBC's Florida operations, has stated, "It is time to reacquaint a new generation of Americans to the high-quality culinary standards for which Italy is well known, as well as to introduce the latest innovative Italian products that many tourists discover while on holiday overseas."

About Italian Food & Beverage Corp. Italian Food & Beverage Corp. establishes and develops brands committed to fulfill customer needs throughout the world while providing the finest experiences based on the Italian wine and food culture. IFBC operates as an importer, exporter, merchant, distributor and dealer of fine wine and food products. The Company and its subsidiaries have established wholesale distribution headquarters, offices and warehouses in several countries including Italy, Singapore, and the UK.

Forward Looking StatementsThis release contains "forward-looking statements" and information provided by Italian Food & Beverage Corp. such as online, printed documents, publications or information available via its website. It may contain certain forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, which, if they do not materialize or prove correct, could cause the Company's results to differ materially from historical results, or those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. These statements may also include plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations; any statements regarding proposed new products, services or developments; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; statements of belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. There can be no assurance that the negotiations being considered by the letter of intent will be completed.